What is a core aim of ACT in contrast to traditional CBT?

• A. Acceptance of internal experiences, values-driven action, and cognitive defusion; mindful exercises.
• B. Eliminate distressing thoughts through cognitive restructuring.
• C. Avoid negative emotions at all costs.
• D. Only dream interpretation.

Answer: (C)

The aim of ACT is to cultivate psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present with whatever you’re experiencing (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations) and still act in ways that align with your values. This is achieved through accepting internal experiences, using cognitive defusion to view thoughts as just thoughts rather than truths, practicing mindfulness, and choosing actions that reflect what matters to you. ACT does not try to erase distress or change every thought; instead, it changes the relationship you have with those thoughts and feelings so you can move toward valued goals even in the presence of discomfort. This is why the option that mentions acceptance of internal experiences, cognitive defusion, values-driven action, and mindful exercises best fits ACT. In contrast, cognitive restructuring aims to eliminate distress by changing distorted thoughts, avoidance of emotions at all costs focuses on suppressing feelings (which ACT discourages), and dream interpretation isn’t relevant to ACT’s goals.